fabric

noun

fab·ric | \ˈfa-brik

Definition of fabric

1a : structure, building

b : underlying structure : framework the fabric of society

2 : an act of constructing : erection specifically : the construction and maintenance of a church building

3a : structural plan or style of construction

b : texture, quality —used chiefly of textiles

c : the arrangement of physical components (as of soil) in relation to each other

4a : cloth sense 1a

b : a material that resembles cloth

5 : the appearance or pattern produced by the shapes and arrangement of the crystal grains in a rock

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about fabric

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Examples of fabric in a Sentence

The curtains are made of expensive fabric. scarves made of woven fabrics the fabric of the community

Recent Examples on the Web

In a district where more and more mid-rise to high-rise projects are getting built, Mosey decided to keep this one small scale in line with the existing urban fabric along Fourth. — John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press, "Eco Homes adds single-family homes in Detroit's Midtown," 29 June 2018 That gave her the idea for EvolvedMotion, a line of backpacks that address the no-gym issue: The EmPack top load backpack/duffel is made with rugged military-grade Cordura fabric. — Terry Gardner, latimes.com, "This travel gear does double duty as workout gear," 29 June 2018 Like covering yourself with fabric at all times, or carrying a parasol, or never leaving your house ever again, and never speaking publicly on matters of politics. — Brennan Kilbane, GQ, "This Magical New Pill Reduces Long-Term Sun Damage," 7 June 2018 Tech Sweat sales have quickly become the fastest-growing part of Outdoor Voices’ business, and the company is responding by designing more products with the lighter, stretchier fabric. — Nora Caplan-bricker, Outside Online, "Ty Haney Is the Queen of Athleisure," 5 June 2018 Although wood post-and-beam construction won out, domes continue to be made, most often as temporary shelters with fabric propped up by a metal frame. — Janet Eastman, OregonLive.com, "Dreamy orphaned dome home, finally completed, is for sale (photos)," 31 May 2018 The denim look was inspired by Andre Agassi (who had an equally dubious trial with the fabric during his career) and James Dean. — Chris Chase, For The Win, "Serena Williams' fashion history, from catsuits to game-changing ballgowns," 31 May 2018 Your best bet is to cover it with fabric that coordinates with your décor. — Michelle Higgins, sacbee, "Limit the impact that dogs, cats unleash on orderliness | The Sacramento Bee," 25 May 2018 The mobile app that users can access with the fabric allows subtle changes in color or larger shifts. — Marco Santana, OrlandoSentinel.com, "UCF researchers develop color-changing fabric," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fabric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for fabric

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French fabrique "act of construction, something created or constructed, the created world, structure, construction and maintenance of a church," borrowed from Medieval Latin fabrica, going back to Latin, "process of making something, craft, art, workshop," noun derivative from *fabricus "of a craftsman," from fabr-, faber "craftsman, smith" (perhaps going back to dialectal Indo-European *dhabh-r- —perhaps of non-Indo-European origin— whence also Armenian darbin "smith," from *dhabh-r-sneh₂) + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: The Latin derivative fabrica may have been shortened from fabrica ars, perhaps literally "smith's craft, smith's place of work." The base *dhabh-r- has been compared with Gothic gadaban "to happen, be suitable" and a host of related words (see daft), though the semantic link is tenuous.

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